Trip Report: Menton, Monaco, Eze, Nice, Cannes
 

Our tour of the Cote d'Azur region began last Friday morning. We headed south, driving about 5 hours from our home in Crolles to Menton. We stayed at the Hotel Kyriad and it was very nice. It is a family-owned hotel, and they were all really welcoming and helpful - even allowing us to keep our milk in their fridge.

Menton was a beautiful city - we walked along the water and strolled through the many shops. Had dinner at La Coupola. The food was good (average) but the service quite slow (only 3 servers for the entire restaurant). With a 2-year-old, you notice these things. ; )

Next day we visited Monaco and were blown away by its beauty and cleanliness. We loved all the tulips and pretty fountains outside the casino. My husband and I each spent (and lost) 10 euros in the "free" room at the casino. Then during my daughter's nap, my husband went back and did some more "real" gambling. He had a good time.

We also saw the village of Eze and were in absolute awe of this little village winding up the hill. The cute little shops tucked in nooks were too cute. We went in to the Jardin Exotique at the top and the views were breathtaking. Absolutely worth the admission price (3 euros). While in Eze, we toured the Fragonard Parfumerie, which was quite interesting. We were taken through with an English-speaking guide who was very friendly and informative. At the end, you have the option of buying something, which I, of course, did.

In Nice we stayed at the Comfort Hotel Roosevelt just a few blocks from the Promenade Des Anglais. It was a nice hotel, deserving of teh 3-star rating. The rooms themselves had been recently renovated, so very nice and clean. The bathrooms, however, could use a little work, but were clean nonetheless.

We walked along the Promenade in Nice and had drinks on the beach. The weather was perfect for us. We ate dinner at a UK sports bar - the food was "OK". Monday morning I went to the antiques market at Cours Saleya. Tons and tons of vendors...all with interesting items for sale. I don't know much about antiques, but it was fun to look.

On our way out, we went through Cannes. It seemed quite similar to Nice - a pretty boardwalk area. I saw the Palais des Festivals and snapped a few shots, but didn't really see anything else film-related (though we only spent about an hour here).

All in all, it was a great trip! We enjoyed Eze the most, with its spectacular views and cute little shops. Also enjoyed people-watching in Monaco. : ) My daughter enjoyed collecting rocks on the beach.

Hope to make it back to this region in the future.

Mindy

Thanks for your comments. We too are fans of Menton and have stayed there twice. The last time was during the Monaco tennis tournament--a spectacular setting for a sporting event. The flowers in that area are the best I have seen.

I will be traveling to Nice in June. Your report has gotten me very excited! How far is Eze from Nice and does a bus go that way? Thanks for the report!

Enjoyed reading about Eze as it's on my list to see. Also, great that there should be things in bloom in a year when I go.

Eze is only about 30 km (at most) from Nice. We did not take a bus, but I'm sure there is one, as Eze is a pretty popular destination from Nice.

Lovely!!!

Brought back great memories.

Oaktown Traveler

Thank you for your thoughts! My wife and I are leaving for the Cote d'Azur in a few months and we are planning to stay in Menton. Many people have told us that the town is reserved for old retired couples, but my wife and I keep thinking that it is a town that we would enjoy very much.

We are both in our late twenties. We will travelling in France and we plan on finishing off in Menton. The town sounds beautiful and we prefer a relaxed atmosphere.

Would you recommend the hotel you stayed in in Menton? Any other suggestions for us?

Thanks again.

thanks, Wesch, we'll be heading back that way later in the year.
Your report has increased my hunger for the area.

Wesch-- thanks for posting a great report with enjoyable highlights. I am heading out the same route at the end of May and really looking forward to see this beautiful region of France. How was the weather temperature-wise? Also, while I hate to admit to this, I am terrified of scary cliff rides. It is bad??? :-[ :-S

To Paula5

From Nice you can take a bus to Eze. The stop is right in front of the entrance to the village. You can also take the train. Outside of the train station is a shuttle bus stop that takes you up the mountain to the village. The shuttle operates from April 1 until late fall. I was there in December and found the shuttle service closed for the season and so I climbed the mountain up to the village. That's about 1500'. I am 61 years old and in good shape but half-way up the mountain I began worrying that I might have a heart attack and die on the side of the mountain and not be found till spring. Trust me; take the shuttle bus.

Have fun.
Larry J

Wmdenton - We are in our early 30's, and I didn't notice any more retirees in Menton than anywhere else I've been. Menton also has a casino right on the water. Didn't look nearly as busy as Monte Carlo. If you don't have kids, you might check it out. I would definitely recommend our hotel. It's the Kyriad, and it's right on the "main drag" - Ave de Sospel. It is a small, family-run place. The wife speaks little English, but the daughter is much better. They are super friendly, and their buffet breakfast was great. Rooms are small (but aren't they all?), but very clean and cutely decorated. Rates were good, and we were there Easter weekend, so the hotel was fully booked.

Chatters - no scary cliff rides at ALL! We drove on both the moyen and lower corniches, and they both offer great views. I, too, don't care for driving within inches of a drop-off, but I never once was nervous on this trip. Just beautiful views, with many spots to pull off for picture-taking. Our weather was great! The forecast had said 50% chance of rain, so we were nervous, but as it turned out, it was gorgeous and sunny the entire time! For early April, it was quite warm (not hot, but comfortable). Temps were in the upper 60's (F). Perfect time for us. : )

Have a great time on your trips...wish we could go back!!

: ) Mindy

Thanks for reporting back Mindy!! Sounds like you guys had an enjoyable time!! Until next time; hope is real soon!! :-D